Had some weird dreams last night, you know...losing the piece of paper that tells you where you're meant to be and people telling me that I must be making my ailment up. Anyway I arrived at X-ray 2 10 minutes early, which is unheard of for me, especially as a kindly old lady had directed me along the corridor and down when it was actually up. One thing about the Derbyshire Royal infirmary - excellent signposting, you can't get lost.
Having arrived early, I then had to wait for a long half hour before a Roman soldier came to escort me to the scanning room. Well, he looked like a Roman soldier as he was wearing a full lead 'apron' with a huge belt to keep it all together. All he needed was a shield and a spear to complete the costume! He led me to a cubical, handed me a nightie and dressing gown and invited me to keep my bra, socks and shoes on. Strange customs these Romans have here, I thought, but duly obliged anyway. The next time I saw him he had on a white half coat and a name tag, so he'd obviously got rid of his fancy dress gear from the previous night! In the scanning room there was another lady (who fitted the bill for Lurcio's mistress and could be imagined eating grapes from a reclining position).
Back to the matter in hand, the two of them laid out all the equipment, needles, bottles, potions and lotions and asked if I had any questions. All I could think of was: "Would anyone be able to confirm whether or not I had a hernia?" When the doctor eventually turned up he went through all the things that could go wrong, everything from bleeding and puncturing to peritonitis and gave me the consent form to fill in. Lying on the table, he applied the iodine to my tummy brusquely and then covered me with a large green sheet with a tiny hole cut out of it which he matched up to my tummy button. He hovered over the hole with the local anesthetic in his hand, poised like a bee ready to sting. In the end I heard myself saying: "Just do it!"
Once the local anesthetic was in, there followed a series of larger needles being inserted with clear dye. I only really felt pressure, but remember feeling the dye rush in and then I'm sure I heard a 'pop'. Then I was asked to lie on my tummy while the table was raised to a vertical position. Any local anesthetic has a strange effect on me and this time I lost the ability to know which was my left or right. In the end, he gave up trying to direct me and gave simpler instructions like: "to me", "away from me" . I was asked to cough or tense my stomach, alternately. This went on for a little while and then he positioned the screen for me to see. "Cough" he commanded and out came a protrusion like ET's finger "Tense" he said and out it popped again. This 'game' went on for ages; "Surely he's taken enough photos by now", I thought, but he was clearly enjoying my 'peek-a-boo' intestines.
At last I got to step off the still vertical table and offered a cup of coffee. When I'd proved I knew which way up the cup was meant to be held, I was left to my own devices to find my own way out of my nightie and the hospital...
Friday, March 30, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 26th
Graham left at 6 o'clock for Newark USA, couldn't sleep, so got to say good-bye. Also said 'good bye' to Lucy for the next three days as she left on a field trip to Skegness. Went to doctor's to ask him to speed up CT scan. Put on a very convincing act "please help as I can't cope any more", trouble is, it wasn't an act...
Last Jewellery class before Easter, five attended and had apologies from two others. Made arrangements to try and meet up with two of the students going to the NEC on Friday. One of the students is having an operation to remove a growth from her stomach on Friday 13th of April. Found myself envying her- three months for diagnosis and four months wait for op. Wouldn't envy her, her problem though. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery...
Thought I'd feel very lonely on my own at home, but actually felt relieved - no one to tidy up after...bliss...
Tuesday 27th
Early morning and off to Training Centre for session on what to do when we get inspected (w/c 30 April) also learned of changes affecting 'the service': Going to be lots of training in the workplace, perhaps I should reconsider getting qualifications in 'Skills for Life' (used to be 'Basic Skills')
Lovely to be with people that I know, with time for a chat about 'things'.
Arrived home (via Garden Centre) to find letter waiting for me from hospital with appointment for 'Herniogram' this coming Friday (30th). Thrilled that it has come through so soon (probably without the intervention of my doctor) Wish I had someone to hold my hand...
Charlotte came for final lesson before exam tomorrow. Still a bit rocky on scales, but plays pieces beautifully, fingers crossed...
Went to tap and collected rest of costume, rehearsal went fine.
Wednesday 28th
Decided that I will have to forego my trip to the NEC on Friday and my last Craft lesson of the term - pity, as I'd spent a fortune on Easter Eggs for them! Sure they won't mind having them after Easter...hope...
Spent all morning trying to get hold of Line Manager and students. Feel I could now teach a new class with the title 'How To Be Evasive'.
Spent the rest of the day on the phone to HSBC as Graham had asked me to check if some money had gone in. To cut a very long story short, managed to get us both barred from accessing the account on line...ooops!
Went to the bank in the afternoon to try and sort things out, but instead got a lecture from a very nice man about 'How Not To Defraud Your Bank' sorry!!
Thought I might not be able to go shopping for a while, so bought pair of shoes and trousers (both in a sale).
Collected Lucy from boyfriend's at 7pm. Not able to move in hall again...
Thursday 29th
Very busy morning and then had to fit in taking a board to school for Lucy before my last Jewellery Class at Kirk Hallam. Not sure why I bothered as only two turned up. However, both were very appreciative of technique we covered (weaving with two threads) and I finished off everyone's 'netting on a bottle' from last week.
Collected Lucy from home and she helped me with the food shopping. Can't help wondering when I'll be able to do it on my own again, it will be some time...
Went to dress rehearsal for Tap. Would have loved to tell someone about Friday and that it may mean I won't be able to perform. In the end just told the lady I'm going with and she was very understanding.
Monday 26th
Graham left at 6 o'clock for Newark USA, couldn't sleep, so got to say good-bye. Also said 'good bye' to Lucy for the next three days as she left on a field trip to Skegness. Went to doctor's to ask him to speed up CT scan. Put on a very convincing act "please help as I can't cope any more", trouble is, it wasn't an act...
Last Jewellery class before Easter, five attended and had apologies from two others. Made arrangements to try and meet up with two of the students going to the NEC on Friday. One of the students is having an operation to remove a growth from her stomach on Friday 13th of April. Found myself envying her- three months for diagnosis and four months wait for op. Wouldn't envy her, her problem though. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery...
Thought I'd feel very lonely on my own at home, but actually felt relieved - no one to tidy up after...bliss...
Tuesday 27th
Early morning and off to Training Centre for session on what to do when we get inspected (w/c 30 April) also learned of changes affecting 'the service': Going to be lots of training in the workplace, perhaps I should reconsider getting qualifications in 'Skills for Life' (used to be 'Basic Skills')
Lovely to be with people that I know, with time for a chat about 'things'.
Arrived home (via Garden Centre) to find letter waiting for me from hospital with appointment for 'Herniogram' this coming Friday (30th). Thrilled that it has come through so soon (probably without the intervention of my doctor) Wish I had someone to hold my hand...
Charlotte came for final lesson before exam tomorrow. Still a bit rocky on scales, but plays pieces beautifully, fingers crossed...
Went to tap and collected rest of costume, rehearsal went fine.
Wednesday 28th
Decided that I will have to forego my trip to the NEC on Friday and my last Craft lesson of the term - pity, as I'd spent a fortune on Easter Eggs for them! Sure they won't mind having them after Easter...hope...
Spent all morning trying to get hold of Line Manager and students. Feel I could now teach a new class with the title 'How To Be Evasive'.
Spent the rest of the day on the phone to HSBC as Graham had asked me to check if some money had gone in. To cut a very long story short, managed to get us both barred from accessing the account on line...ooops!
Went to the bank in the afternoon to try and sort things out, but instead got a lecture from a very nice man about 'How Not To Defraud Your Bank' sorry!!
Thought I might not be able to go shopping for a while, so bought pair of shoes and trousers (both in a sale).
Collected Lucy from boyfriend's at 7pm. Not able to move in hall again...
Thursday 29th
Very busy morning and then had to fit in taking a board to school for Lucy before my last Jewellery Class at Kirk Hallam. Not sure why I bothered as only two turned up. However, both were very appreciative of technique we covered (weaving with two threads) and I finished off everyone's 'netting on a bottle' from last week.
Collected Lucy from home and she helped me with the food shopping. Can't help wondering when I'll be able to do it on my own again, it will be some time...
Went to dress rehearsal for Tap. Would have loved to tell someone about Friday and that it may mean I won't be able to perform. In the end just told the lady I'm going with and she was very understanding.
A Rose By Any Other Name...
As a pick me up on Saturday afternoon, I decided to pop to the perfume shop and buy Estee Lauder's Pure White Linen. On a whim we made a diversion to Boot's to check prices and a very strange thing happened... The nice assistant said she could offer a 10% discount (unheard of in this age of credit cards etc) so we nearly bit her arm off (metaphorically speaking) total cost £25.10. Later we redeemed my scratch card at Morrisons; total amount £25.00!
IN BRIEF
Monday 19th
Spent morning on the phone trying to track down my CT scan to no avail.
All my fretting about what to do with my jewellery class and then for one reason or another only four turned up. Had apologies from three, so know they still love me!
Had poorly foot for some reason in the evening
Tuesday 20th
Full day on the website and potential new piano pupil came for 'try out' at 5pm. She's just been bought a brand new Clavinova and with it came a Piano Classics books from which she had taught herself the first two bars of Debussy's Reverie. No mean feat when you consider that she has no knowledge of notes in the left hand... we have much to do, but the path looks promising.
Had decided foot couldn't go to tap, then by the time 7 o'clock came round and I was screaming to get out and see another four walls. As it was, there were costumes to collect and everyone was very jolly, it certainly took my mind off things. Came home the proud owner of 'top hat and tails' except the hat was blue and the tails were very musty and need a button.
Wednesday 21st
Graham in London today, went on the train and somehow this made his knee worse.
More time spent on phone to hospital appointment person, but no further forward by end of it. Giving up for another day...
Felt well enough to make short journey to town. The Cosmopolitan magazine bought for me (?) last Saturday contained a sample of Estee Lauder's Pure White Linen - when the page was folded back and it revealed a beautiful aroma. (I'm never sure whether the magazine just smells nice or you really can smell the perfume). Anyway, to cheer myself up, I thought I'd do some market research and proffered my bare arm at the Perfume Shop. OK, it was nice, but do I really want to spent £27.50...? Came home, collected Lucy to help me do the food shopping, only she'd slept badly and had a poorly shoulder, so I don't know who was the worse off!
New pupil making good progress for first proper lesson on piano. Her mum had bought her a beginner's book to start with, as recommended and we were up to 'hands together' by the end of the lesson. Charlotte, in contrast, who has her exam next Wednesday was abysmal (spelling?) OK you win some, you lose some. When asked what she understood by the term 'accent', she took it upon herself to begin: " well, in language... it's how you speak"! She's lucky that she lived to tell the tale...!
Thursday 22nd
More time on the phone getting nowhere.
Jewellery Class went well, but as always happens, if you have a break people don't turn up the next week. Didn't look good when both organisers 'dropped in' and there were only four in attendance. Better luck next week, perhaps.
Friday 23rd
Graham in London again today, this time he drove, which also didn't help his knee.
Had Curriculum manager come to video class performing Parchment Craft techniques. Was feeling very rough, but hearing how Karen's daughter has had an overactive and then underactive thyroid in the space of about four weeks, helps to put ones own problems in perspective. Struggling to carry anything today, will I make it to the end of term next week?
Monday 19th
Spent morning on the phone trying to track down my CT scan to no avail.
All my fretting about what to do with my jewellery class and then for one reason or another only four turned up. Had apologies from three, so know they still love me!
Had poorly foot for some reason in the evening
Tuesday 20th
Full day on the website and potential new piano pupil came for 'try out' at 5pm. She's just been bought a brand new Clavinova and with it came a Piano Classics books from which she had taught herself the first two bars of Debussy's Reverie. No mean feat when you consider that she has no knowledge of notes in the left hand... we have much to do, but the path looks promising.
Had decided foot couldn't go to tap, then by the time 7 o'clock came round and I was screaming to get out and see another four walls. As it was, there were costumes to collect and everyone was very jolly, it certainly took my mind off things. Came home the proud owner of 'top hat and tails' except the hat was blue and the tails were very musty and need a button.
Wednesday 21st
Graham in London today, went on the train and somehow this made his knee worse.
More time spent on phone to hospital appointment person, but no further forward by end of it. Giving up for another day...
Felt well enough to make short journey to town. The Cosmopolitan magazine bought for me (?) last Saturday contained a sample of Estee Lauder's Pure White Linen - when the page was folded back and it revealed a beautiful aroma. (I'm never sure whether the magazine just smells nice or you really can smell the perfume). Anyway, to cheer myself up, I thought I'd do some market research and proffered my bare arm at the Perfume Shop. OK, it was nice, but do I really want to spent £27.50...? Came home, collected Lucy to help me do the food shopping, only she'd slept badly and had a poorly shoulder, so I don't know who was the worse off!
New pupil making good progress for first proper lesson on piano. Her mum had bought her a beginner's book to start with, as recommended and we were up to 'hands together' by the end of the lesson. Charlotte, in contrast, who has her exam next Wednesday was abysmal (spelling?) OK you win some, you lose some. When asked what she understood by the term 'accent', she took it upon herself to begin: " well, in language... it's how you speak"! She's lucky that she lived to tell the tale...!
Thursday 22nd
More time on the phone getting nowhere.
Jewellery Class went well, but as always happens, if you have a break people don't turn up the next week. Didn't look good when both organisers 'dropped in' and there were only four in attendance. Better luck next week, perhaps.
Friday 23rd
Graham in London again today, this time he drove, which also didn't help his knee.
Had Curriculum manager come to video class performing Parchment Craft techniques. Was feeling very rough, but hearing how Karen's daughter has had an overactive and then underactive thyroid in the space of about four weeks, helps to put ones own problems in perspective. Struggling to carry anything today, will I make it to the end of term next week?
Saturday, March 17, 2007
An Afternoon At The Opera...(Hospital)
How often do we set all our hopes on an appointment, only to have them dashed by the outcome? I'd come to the conclusion that I should expect nothing so that any result would be a bonus. Having spent many a happy hour at the Gynae Department, the passing shot from a Greek Register was: "We can take all your bits out and you might still experience the pain", I really had nothing to loose. First stumbling block was finding the Gastroenterology Department at Derby City Hospital. Even armed with their map, I still managed to get completely lost and when I did locate the outpatients' department and enquired whether I arrived at T1, L1, the receptionist clearly had no idea what I was talking about. I hardly had time to sit on their folding cinema seats (they really do fold up to create more space in the corridor) when I was whisked away my a well meaning nurse to have weight and blood pressure checked. Only my blood pressure was really high for the first time ever. On reflection I had taken the lift up two levels and then had to rush down the stairs for fear of being late. Perhaps she should have checked my weight first? Then there was a short interlude before being called in by a youngish doctor in open neck shirt and glasses. Realising that the name he gave me didn't match the one on my form, I asked if I could see the consultant. Bit like asking can I see the main bill, not the support... He 'took it' very well, but I managed to dig myself a hole by saying cringe worthy things like: "I'm sure you're very experienced but.. and you've probably got 15 years experience (he said he'd been qualified 9)" Anyway, I was invited to retake my seat and wait to be called. The consultant, on the other hand, had the aura of a star, he called me in, offered me his hand to shake and directed me to a chair to sit on. (He was a bit short for a leading man, but hey, look at Tom Cruise) We chatted away like old friends and gave me the benefit of his experience: "Sounds as though you have a hernia? I just need to examine you..." It was with deft fingers he poked and prodded, but unfortunately even his lightness of touch left its mark and I'm still feeling the effects and wondering how long before I begin to feel better. The main thing is, it's almost a diagnosis and the nearest thing I have to thinking I can get better. The tests I'm being sent for will not be pleasant, but if the eventual result is getting my life back, it will be worth it....(I keep telling myself).
I'm studying the map in anticipation of my next visit... anyone know any good films I can watch in the meantime...?
I'm studying the map in anticipation of my next visit... anyone know any good films I can watch in the meantime...?
IN BRIEF
Monday 12th
In the continuing 'what can go wrong, now' saga, went to place a saucepan on my beloved hob, only to find a crack through my favourite halogen ring. Jewellery Class going from bad to worse, need to pull rabbit out of hat, but getting to the stage of: "frankly, my dear, I don't give a ****"
Having left class late, just managed to dash to doctor's to collect Graham prescription and then get back in time for Abigail's second piano lesson at 4.00pm.
Tuesday 13th
Received card from mum of Wednesday 'piano lesson pupils' explaining that she just can't fit in coming over and has engaged a 'mobile' piano teacher for her two. Bit of a relief really, as she cancelled more than they came. I shall miss Harry, at 6 he still finds it difficult to 'verbalize' if that's the correct terminology and we were making good progress, oh well....
Aardman eventually gave the thumbs up to new webpage, pity the server was down for most of the day...
Got to tap class to find teacher has been 'banned' from giving class... Poor lady has irregular heart beat and has been advised against (not surprisingly) tapping for two hours continuously. Didn't really stop her going through it with us - even without tap shoes!
Wednesday 14th
Lucy's big day at school, she has thought up, written, produced, directed and provided the raffle prizes for a fundraiser for the school trip she goes on in a fortnight. Hope she sees some of the benefits of the money...
Small window opening, had enquiry from mum of potential piano pupil. When asked for child's name, she said she was called 'Arden', felt I had to make a comment: "Is that a Scottish name?" I asked, trying not to sound as surprised as I was and because the mother had a broad Scottish accent. "Oh no, came the reply. "I was 'into' Shakespeare at the time and that is the name of Shakespeare's mother." There are some statements to which there are no answers. All I could manage in reply was 'o-oh'. I've always had a bee in my bonnet about the names children are called by their adoring mothers and this one almost takes the biscuit. (My college friend has always won 'hands down' before, but you already know this) I looked up Shakespeare's mother, but perhaps the girl's mother is dyslexic, as according to Google she was called Mary (Arden)!!
Lucy eventually arrived home at 10.30pm and proceeded to re enact a scene from the Great Train Robbery, net amount £337.15, well done Lucy!
Thursday 15th
See photo above
Friday 16th
Had good morning with Craft Class, but have some problems with one or more of the students not attending. One of the Learning Partners was too upset to attend as her cat had died. (She'd taken it to the vets and signed something she thought was to give them permission to make it better, only to find later when she rang back to check progress, that it was actually to give permission to have the cat put down, which they had done...)
Feeling very tender from yesterday's examination ( which was hardly anything) so ended up in bed for most of the evening feeling very sorry for myself.
Monday 12th
In the continuing 'what can go wrong, now' saga, went to place a saucepan on my beloved hob, only to find a crack through my favourite halogen ring. Jewellery Class going from bad to worse, need to pull rabbit out of hat, but getting to the stage of: "frankly, my dear, I don't give a ****"
Having left class late, just managed to dash to doctor's to collect Graham prescription and then get back in time for Abigail's second piano lesson at 4.00pm.
Tuesday 13th
Received card from mum of Wednesday 'piano lesson pupils' explaining that she just can't fit in coming over and has engaged a 'mobile' piano teacher for her two. Bit of a relief really, as she cancelled more than they came. I shall miss Harry, at 6 he still finds it difficult to 'verbalize' if that's the correct terminology and we were making good progress, oh well....
Aardman eventually gave the thumbs up to new webpage, pity the server was down for most of the day...
Got to tap class to find teacher has been 'banned' from giving class... Poor lady has irregular heart beat and has been advised against (not surprisingly) tapping for two hours continuously. Didn't really stop her going through it with us - even without tap shoes!
Wednesday 14th
Lucy's big day at school, she has thought up, written, produced, directed and provided the raffle prizes for a fundraiser for the school trip she goes on in a fortnight. Hope she sees some of the benefits of the money...
Small window opening, had enquiry from mum of potential piano pupil. When asked for child's name, she said she was called 'Arden', felt I had to make a comment: "Is that a Scottish name?" I asked, trying not to sound as surprised as I was and because the mother had a broad Scottish accent. "Oh no, came the reply. "I was 'into' Shakespeare at the time and that is the name of Shakespeare's mother." There are some statements to which there are no answers. All I could manage in reply was 'o-oh'. I've always had a bee in my bonnet about the names children are called by their adoring mothers and this one almost takes the biscuit. (My college friend has always won 'hands down' before, but you already know this) I looked up Shakespeare's mother, but perhaps the girl's mother is dyslexic, as according to Google she was called Mary (Arden)!!
Lucy eventually arrived home at 10.30pm and proceeded to re enact a scene from the Great Train Robbery, net amount £337.15, well done Lucy!
Thursday 15th
See photo above
Friday 16th
Had good morning with Craft Class, but have some problems with one or more of the students not attending. One of the Learning Partners was too upset to attend as her cat had died. (She'd taken it to the vets and signed something she thought was to give them permission to make it better, only to find later when she rang back to check progress, that it was actually to give permission to have the cat put down, which they had done...)
Feeling very tender from yesterday's examination ( which was hardly anything) so ended up in bed for most of the evening feeling very sorry for myself.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
POST SCRIPT...
Perhaps, should just add that we do have the use of one of the allotments, through the kindness of a lady who is too frail to tend to hers on her own and maybe the powers that be thought that we would like to have that one if and when it becomes fully available. It just would have been nice if someone had taken the trouble to tell us that...
Perhaps, should just add that we do have the use of one of the allotments, through the kindness of a lady who is too frail to tend to hers on her own and maybe the powers that be thought that we would like to have that one if and when it becomes fully available. It just would have been nice if someone had taken the trouble to tell us that...
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
A Little Not Allot...
We learned at the week-end that the allotment in Almshouses Lane that was 'up for grabs' has been allocated to someone living in Morley Village. To say that we are peeved, upset and disappointed is an understatement. The fact that we have been waiting 10 years for an allotment and understood we were top of the list makes one feel that a travesty of injustice has taken place. The vague reason given for not allocating it to us was that the recipient lives in the Parish of Morley, whereas we, by a quirk of fate (or rather parish boundaries) live in the Parish of Breadsall. Is there a right of appeal against such decisions? Can I point out that our property lies within 10 feet of the aforementioned allotment, whereas 'the chap' comes over a mile (in his Chelsea Tractor)
If I could just find the Ordinance Survey map...
OK, I'll stop stamping my feet, now. I may just have got this off my chest, thank you for listening...but I'm still considering rescinding my photos from Morley Parish Council website...
On the positive side, I now know how many 'l's and 't's in allotment and 'the chap' has made it look neat and tidy already...
If I could just find the Ordinance Survey map...
OK, I'll stop stamping my feet, now. I may just have got this off my chest, thank you for listening...but I'm still considering rescinding my photos from Morley Parish Council website...
On the positive side, I now know how many 'l's and 't's in allotment and 'the chap' has made it look neat and tidy already...
Monday, March 12, 2007
A Biking Week-End...
On Saturday we headed off for Chesterfield in the vain hope that the sun would come out by the time we got there and we could take a few snaps of the crooked tower. As it wasn't going to happen, we stopped off at Clay Cross to admire the motor bikes on show. (OK, I stood there and stifled a few yawns, and tried not to look bored) There was a notice in the shop saying Liam Haslam would be there to talk to people, so when mentioned we must have missed him, it was lucky I didn't say it in too loud a voice..."you're standing two feet from him" came the reply! (Well, he really is tiny, if very good looking!) Should have had my camera with me!
On Sunday there was great commotion outside our house. One of our neighbours has been elected president of the local golf club (need to stifle a few more yawns, sorry) and was celebrating by having his biking mates over for bacon butties before riding the 500 yards or so over to the golf course. I was called over as official photographer as another neighbour had seen my photos in the paper (Graham wasn't happy as his camera is bigger than mine and he's jealous of the chap's bike, but we won't go there...) Here's one of my photos, there's a more artistic one on Flickr, showing the reflection in a Triumph tank...
On Sunday there was great commotion outside our house. One of our neighbours has been elected president of the local golf club (need to stifle a few more yawns, sorry) and was celebrating by having his biking mates over for bacon butties before riding the 500 yards or so over to the golf course. I was called over as official photographer as another neighbour had seen my photos in the paper (Graham wasn't happy as his camera is bigger than mine and he's jealous of the chap's bike, but we won't go there...) Here's one of my photos, there's a more artistic one on Flickr, showing the reflection in a Triumph tank...
Out With The E400...
Went out on Wednesday 7th with the new camera and my IXUS 800, so for once 'looked the part'. Have to say I was disappointed with the results, I just don't seem to be able to take a good image through a viewfinder. This one was taken with the IXUS and has exactly what I wanted in it. I know I should persevere, but...
Sunday, March 11, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 5th
Lots to do on the website at the moment, so I may have seemed a little preoccupied and unappreciative when the chap from 'Alpine' came to measure up for our sofits and facias. Sorry, mate, promise to offer you a cup of coffee next time you come!
Feel I may be loosing the plot with my Jewellery Class, keeping up enthusiasm (and numbers) is sometimes a tall order. Showed them how to make a Button Knot which I thought was achievable (for them), if not impressive. The research I did for the lesson was interesting (for me) knots have a very interesting history and although they most probably all originated from China, you'll find the same knots under different names used in sailing, Celtic and Pagan folklore and jewellery. The knot I had a go with was The Prosperity or Ocean knot.
Tuesday 6th
Graham took my car in for its service. The damage was close to £300, so I may refrain from any impulse buying over the next couple of weeks, or perhaps not...
At last tap dance is beginning to sink in and I can just about remember it all the way through. Performances on 31st March and 27th April. Came home depressed as we are cutting out costumes next week. Normally I'd be only too happy to be helping making something. Now I have the dilemma of trying to explain that I can't risk doing anything which involves bending forward as it will just make my side worse. Next Thursday's hospital appointment can't come soon enough...
Wednesday 7th
The launch for the UKHKA's joint venture with Aardman Animations: The Great British PicKnit will very soon be here...28th March at the Sewing For Pleasure Show at the NEC. Apparently Robbin Cousins is opening the show and will be presented with a knitted pair of ice blades covers (slightly novel use of gift idea) but if it raises awareness for knitting all power to Rachael Matthews' elbow (she's knitted them). - For me this means a new web page containing lots of information - which I thought I'd already completed. Aardman on the other hand (or rather the PR person we are liaising with) wants our page to match theirs - (as Dawn French would say: "Just a cotton pickin' minute" ) Sent out SOS to Robert, how do we get the background to look like theirs?
Closer to home Charlotte (10) has her piano exam in three weeks time. She plays beautifully, but will only play the bits she likes/finds easy. Am beginning to find more grey hair after each of her lessons...
Thursday 8th
The class that I had trouble with is now eating out of my hand and they are all happy to complete more and more complicated projects without a murmur. I should feel I have accomplished something, but I only have two more weeks to run and then I'll be back to square one somewhere else.
Charlotte came for extra lesson, this time we concentrated on the aural part of her exam. Hopefully she now understands the musical terms: Dynamics, Articulation and Gradation of Tone...will test you all next week.
Friday 9th
Tried a completely new technique out with my Craft class this morning and it went really well. I had them making a fan using parchment paper. It's mainly tracing with coloured pens and pricking holes, which kept them very quiet while I played with the centre's 'toaster' - (HP printer), it's great fun to use and produces excellent prints - we are being inspected soon by Ofsted, so am trying to start preparations early...
Monday 5th
Lots to do on the website at the moment, so I may have seemed a little preoccupied and unappreciative when the chap from 'Alpine' came to measure up for our sofits and facias. Sorry, mate, promise to offer you a cup of coffee next time you come!
Feel I may be loosing the plot with my Jewellery Class, keeping up enthusiasm (and numbers) is sometimes a tall order. Showed them how to make a Button Knot which I thought was achievable (for them), if not impressive. The research I did for the lesson was interesting (for me) knots have a very interesting history and although they most probably all originated from China, you'll find the same knots under different names used in sailing, Celtic and Pagan folklore and jewellery. The knot I had a go with was The Prosperity or Ocean knot.
Tuesday 6th
Graham took my car in for its service. The damage was close to £300, so I may refrain from any impulse buying over the next couple of weeks, or perhaps not...
At last tap dance is beginning to sink in and I can just about remember it all the way through. Performances on 31st March and 27th April. Came home depressed as we are cutting out costumes next week. Normally I'd be only too happy to be helping making something. Now I have the dilemma of trying to explain that I can't risk doing anything which involves bending forward as it will just make my side worse. Next Thursday's hospital appointment can't come soon enough...
Wednesday 7th
The launch for the UKHKA's joint venture with Aardman Animations: The Great British PicKnit will very soon be here...28th March at the Sewing For Pleasure Show at the NEC. Apparently Robbin Cousins is opening the show and will be presented with a knitted pair of ice blades covers (slightly novel use of gift idea) but if it raises awareness for knitting all power to Rachael Matthews' elbow (she's knitted them). - For me this means a new web page containing lots of information - which I thought I'd already completed. Aardman on the other hand (or rather the PR person we are liaising with) wants our page to match theirs - (as Dawn French would say: "Just a cotton pickin' minute" ) Sent out SOS to Robert, how do we get the background to look like theirs?
Closer to home Charlotte (10) has her piano exam in three weeks time. She plays beautifully, but will only play the bits she likes/finds easy. Am beginning to find more grey hair after each of her lessons...
Thursday 8th
The class that I had trouble with is now eating out of my hand and they are all happy to complete more and more complicated projects without a murmur. I should feel I have accomplished something, but I only have two more weeks to run and then I'll be back to square one somewhere else.
Charlotte came for extra lesson, this time we concentrated on the aural part of her exam. Hopefully she now understands the musical terms: Dynamics, Articulation and Gradation of Tone...will test you all next week.
Friday 9th
Tried a completely new technique out with my Craft class this morning and it went really well. I had them making a fan using parchment paper. It's mainly tracing with coloured pens and pricking holes, which kept them very quiet while I played with the centre's 'toaster' - (HP printer), it's great fun to use and produces excellent prints - we are being inspected soon by Ofsted, so am trying to start preparations early...
New Member Of The Family...
Saturday 3rd March
Graham arrived back from America bright eyed and bushy tailed and eager for a birthday present. As I'd recently been voicing my thoughts on the limitations of my camera, it seemed a good idea at the time to purchase a digital SLR that we can both use. The E400 is amazingly light compared with 'normal' cameras and easy to use. Having taken it on a photographic foray, I'm even more convinced that overall, nothing takes a photo like my Canon IXUS 800 and I won't have anything bad said about it, not even by me...
Graham arrived back from America bright eyed and bushy tailed and eager for a birthday present. As I'd recently been voicing my thoughts on the limitations of my camera, it seemed a good idea at the time to purchase a digital SLR that we can both use. The E400 is amazingly light compared with 'normal' cameras and easy to use. Having taken it on a photographic foray, I'm even more convinced that overall, nothing takes a photo like my Canon IXUS 800 and I won't have anything bad said about it, not even by me...
Friday, March 09, 2007
And Again...
Tuesday's photo gave me the confidence to submit a few more images, so I was more than a little surprised to see my photo and name in the Derby Evening Telegraph again today...
Anyone would think I own a really good camera - more on this topic soon...
Anyone would think I own a really good camera - more on this topic soon...
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Published Again...
To misquote Winnie The Pooh:
"Nobody can be uncheered with their picture in the paper..."
"Nobody can be uncheered with their picture in the paper..."
Monday, March 05, 2007
Water Tower House, Shipley Park
I've always loved this house, but perhaps glad we didn't buy it when we had the opportunity, or we might have had strange people taking pictures outside the door every 5 minutes...
Sunday, March 04, 2007
IN BRIEF
Monday 26th
Swapped rooms for Jewellery Class so that we could use the computers to look things up. It actually caused more problems that solutions (mainly time taken in switching on and connecting to internet), so maybe I will be more content in the usual pokey little room next time!
At last, oil delivered - we were down to our last 200 litres. No mishaps this time, except for large branch found in the middle of the drive, left as evidence that the driver also 'runs a line' in tree pruning when required.
Had another mouse sage incident, which I won't go into too much detail about. Suffice to say it involved lots of shrieking ( and that was just the mouse!) and Lucy and me outside at 20 to 11 dressed only in our nighties...
Tuesday 27th
This was meant to be an average day, but by the end had left a bit of a traumatic mark. I'm lucky that when it comes the time for my car to be serviced, Graham takes it in and collects it as he works opposite the garage. Slight complication this time as car due to have it's first MOT and Graham wasn't here a) to take it in or b) to help sort things out if it failed. Decided to call in favour from a chap Graham works with, who to his credit was really lovely about taking me home and bringing me back. His only hesitation was when I asked him to collect me from the Ford garage when he owns a very plush Peugot 407 - would they let him in, or worse, let him out again? I just knew that they would phone and say that it had failed, and they did...on the tyre tread (how many times have I written about the car pulling to the left?) and that they couldn't order in the tyres until the next day. I convinced them that I had to have the car back, so they were very good and booked it back in the following afternoon. I seem to remembering someone murmuring the words "near, Police, don't, any go"...
At least I was able to go to tap lesson and collect Robert from the station afterwards, although a bus lane that had suddenly appeared that day did cause some problems when I realised that there was a car coming in the opposite direction in my lane...!
Wednesday 28th
This was another odd day, getting up a the crack of dawn to take Robert to the dentist and going early because of severe traffic problems. Of course, we sailed in with no hold ups and ended up waiting 15 minutes instead. After an Xray, it became clear that one of Robert's implants is causing him pain as it is eroding his jaw. Another set of hospital appointments awaits us...
Put Robert on the next available train back to Cambridge and went food shopping, arriving home just in time for a phone call from Graham. Had so much on my mind I managed to miss wishing him Happy Birthday, until three sentences in. Will I ever be forgiven...? Sorry, sorry, sorry...
Had tyres fitted at 2.00pm, pain of paying for them slightly sugared by the nectar points I received.
Perfect end to a perfect day, when I finally plucked tup the courage to open a letter from the Inland Revenue only to find it contained a fixed penalty notice for not getting my tax return in in time. It wouldn't have been so bad if this really was the case, but as it was sent you can't help wondering why this particular letter managed to get lost...
One more thing...chap came to the door to offer to give me a quote to replace our sofits and facias. "They could come and give me a quote tomorrow afternoon, but would my husband be in?" Cheek!
Thursday 1st March
Day passed reasonably smoothly, Jewellery Class successful and project completed on time. Potential new piano pupil came for a chat ready to begin lessons on Monday. Big girl for 6 (well nearly 7), her name is Abigail...
Chap duly came to give quote for sofits and facias. Lots of drawing in of breath and comments about the amount of roofline we have - 60 metres. To cut a short story shorter, having given me the 'bad' news and then knocked off the VAT (as is the custom for Jan and Feb) I told him what I would agree to and he matched it within £100. Hopefully happy all round, another chap will come and measure up on Monday morning
Friday 2nd
Took theme for Craft Lesson as St David's Day and all associated with Wales. Nobody really knew anything about St David, so I was glad I mentioned it. Tenuous link with the lesson was weaving...with forks. Made lovely little flowers with wool, which can be sewn on hats and scarves, or as the students chose, a card complete with flower pot.
Busy afternoon at home trying to get new webpage ready to announce our link with the new Shaun The Sheep animation on CBBC, (first episode 3.45pm Monday), also busy tidying house ready for Graham's return tomorrow...phew!
Monday 26th
Swapped rooms for Jewellery Class so that we could use the computers to look things up. It actually caused more problems that solutions (mainly time taken in switching on and connecting to internet), so maybe I will be more content in the usual pokey little room next time!
At last, oil delivered - we were down to our last 200 litres. No mishaps this time, except for large branch found in the middle of the drive, left as evidence that the driver also 'runs a line' in tree pruning when required.
Had another mouse sage incident, which I won't go into too much detail about. Suffice to say it involved lots of shrieking ( and that was just the mouse!) and Lucy and me outside at 20 to 11 dressed only in our nighties...
Tuesday 27th
This was meant to be an average day, but by the end had left a bit of a traumatic mark. I'm lucky that when it comes the time for my car to be serviced, Graham takes it in and collects it as he works opposite the garage. Slight complication this time as car due to have it's first MOT and Graham wasn't here a) to take it in or b) to help sort things out if it failed. Decided to call in favour from a chap Graham works with, who to his credit was really lovely about taking me home and bringing me back. His only hesitation was when I asked him to collect me from the Ford garage when he owns a very plush Peugot 407 - would they let him in, or worse, let him out again? I just knew that they would phone and say that it had failed, and they did...on the tyre tread (how many times have I written about the car pulling to the left?) and that they couldn't order in the tyres until the next day. I convinced them that I had to have the car back, so they were very good and booked it back in the following afternoon. I seem to remembering someone murmuring the words "near, Police, don't, any go"...
At least I was able to go to tap lesson and collect Robert from the station afterwards, although a bus lane that had suddenly appeared that day did cause some problems when I realised that there was a car coming in the opposite direction in my lane...!
Wednesday 28th
This was another odd day, getting up a the crack of dawn to take Robert to the dentist and going early because of severe traffic problems. Of course, we sailed in with no hold ups and ended up waiting 15 minutes instead. After an Xray, it became clear that one of Robert's implants is causing him pain as it is eroding his jaw. Another set of hospital appointments awaits us...
Put Robert on the next available train back to Cambridge and went food shopping, arriving home just in time for a phone call from Graham. Had so much on my mind I managed to miss wishing him Happy Birthday, until three sentences in. Will I ever be forgiven...? Sorry, sorry, sorry...
Had tyres fitted at 2.00pm, pain of paying for them slightly sugared by the nectar points I received.
Perfect end to a perfect day, when I finally plucked tup the courage to open a letter from the Inland Revenue only to find it contained a fixed penalty notice for not getting my tax return in in time. It wouldn't have been so bad if this really was the case, but as it was sent you can't help wondering why this particular letter managed to get lost...
One more thing...chap came to the door to offer to give me a quote to replace our sofits and facias. "They could come and give me a quote tomorrow afternoon, but would my husband be in?" Cheek!
Thursday 1st March
Day passed reasonably smoothly, Jewellery Class successful and project completed on time. Potential new piano pupil came for a chat ready to begin lessons on Monday. Big girl for 6 (well nearly 7), her name is Abigail...
Chap duly came to give quote for sofits and facias. Lots of drawing in of breath and comments about the amount of roofline we have - 60 metres. To cut a short story shorter, having given me the 'bad' news and then knocked off the VAT (as is the custom for Jan and Feb) I told him what I would agree to and he matched it within £100. Hopefully happy all round, another chap will come and measure up on Monday morning
Friday 2nd
Took theme for Craft Lesson as St David's Day and all associated with Wales. Nobody really knew anything about St David, so I was glad I mentioned it. Tenuous link with the lesson was weaving...with forks. Made lovely little flowers with wool, which can be sewn on hats and scarves, or as the students chose, a card complete with flower pot.
Busy afternoon at home trying to get new webpage ready to announce our link with the new Shaun The Sheep animation on CBBC, (first episode 3.45pm Monday), also busy tidying house ready for Graham's return tomorrow...phew!
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